Saltarelli Classic Ducati Collection Up for Auction

One of the world’s largest private collections of Ducati motorcycles is going on the auction block. Former Ducati factory test rider, racer and dealer Carlo Saltarelli is selling his collection of classic motorcycles at RM Auction‘s biennial auction in Monaco on May 11-12 during the Grand Prix of Monaco Historique.

Saltarelli’s collection includes 100 motorcycles including a 1970 ex-Works Ducati 450 Desmo Corsa which was featured in the Ducati museum in Bologna, Italy. Saltarelli’s collection also includes a 1990 Ducati 888 superbike ridden by Giancarlo Falappa and a number of 750SS race bikes from the ’70s such as a Ducati 750SS ridden by factory rider Franco Uncini in 1975, and a race-winning 1974 Ducati 750SS raced by Saltarelli.

“We are delighted that an auction house as prestigious as RM Auctions will be offering the Saltarelli collection of historic Ducati motorcycles and I am proud to complement the event by offering some very special motorcycles from our Ducati Corse racing department,” says Gabriele Del Torchio, chief executive officer and president of Ducati. “This incredible sale will enable passionate bidders to take ownership of unique pieces of Ducati history, from the Ducati Cucciolo to a Ducati Desmosedici MotoGP machine.”

Saltarelli started out working for a Ducati dealer in 1955 when he was 16. In the ’70s, Saltarelli opened his own shop and began racing in 1972. His skills caught the attention of Ducati, earning him a job as a race team test rider. In 1974, Saltarelli started his own racing team and competed until 1980s.